System and method for dispensing adhesive imbalance correction weight

ABSTRACT

A system and method are disclosed for dispensing an amount of imbalance correction weight for attachment to a rotary element to reduce an imbalance in the rotary element. The imbalance correction weight includes a number of individual weights provided on a length of double-sided adhesive tape. A guide directs the imbalance correction weight through a channel provided by the guide toward a tape divider. A driver pulls a protective backing away from the tape causing the imbalance correction weight to move through the channel toward the tape divider. A sensor counts the individual weights that move past it. When the sensor has counted a desired number of individual weights, a controller instructs the driver to stop pulling on the protective backing thereby stopping movement of the imbalance correction weight and then instructs the tape divider to divide the tape to provide the amount of imbalance correction weight. A weight applicator automatically receives the amount of imbalance correction weight and is operable to attach it to the rotary element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U. S.Provisional Application No. 60/286,076, filed Apr. 24, 2001, which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system for dispensing adhesive imbalancecorrection weight for correcting imbalance in rotary elements. Theinvention is disclosed in the context of correcting imbalance in vehiclewheel-and-tire assemblies. The invention is believed to be useful inother applications as well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, some vehicle wheel designs have evolved that do notpermit the use of pound-on imbalance correcting weights on the outwardlyfacing, or “curb” side of the wheel. These wheels are sometimes called“flangeless” or “soft face” wheels. Flangeless or soft face wheelsgenerally require adhesive weights to be applied from the car side ofthe tire and wheel assembly to the inside diameter of the wheel tocorrect some portion of the imbalance in the assembly. Currently, anoperator selects a specific size weight from a row of bins, removes theprotective tape and applies the weight to the wheel. This process isslow and it is easy for the operator to select the wrong weight. Inaddition, typical currently available adhesive weights are made frompieces of lead with protective coatings to reduce the likelihood ofdirect worker contact with the lead. These one-piece weights arepreformed to a specific wheel radius. Workers sometimes reshape theweights to the radius of a wheel for which the weights were notoriginally made. Otherwise, optimal adherence of the adhesive weightwill not be achieved. These characteristics lead to additional work andrework at imbalance correcting stations for wheel and tire assemblies.

Another currently available system pulls extruded lead, with adhesivealready applied, from a coil of extruded lead, forms the extruded leadto a particular radius, and then cuts the amount of extruded leadnecessary to achieve a particular amount of imbalance correction.Weights formed using this system leave the ends of the lead weightsexposed to contact with workers. This exposed lead is unacceptable tomany manufacturers. Also, as noted, this system forms the extruded leadto only one radius. Again, this means that if the weight is to beapplied to a wheel having another radius, the worker must reshape theweight to the desired curvature. Additionally, lead is heavy, resultingin the coils having limited capacity. This results in frequentreplacement of the somewhat unwieldy coils.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to several aspects of the invention, apparatus is provided fordispensing imbalance correction weight for attachment to a rotaryelement to reduce an imbalance in the rotary element. The imbalancecorrection weight includes one or more individual weights provided on alength of tape.

According to one of these aspects of the invention, the apparatusincludes a blade and an anvil which cooperate to cut the tape, and asequencer for sequencing relative movement of the blade and the anvil ina blade-moving stroke and an anvil-moving stroke, respectively.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the sequencerincludes a spring for biasing the blade away from the anvil to sequencethe anvil-moving stroke to occur before the blade-moving stroke.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, theapparatus includes a blade carriage carrying the blade, and an anvilcarriage carrying the anvil. The blade carriage and the anvil carriageare mounted on a frame for relative movement.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,the sequencer includes a stop for engaging the anvil carriage to end theanvil-moving stroke.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the stopincludes a first adjustable member for adjusting the excursion of theanvil during the anvil-moving stroke.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, thestop includes a second adjustable member engaging the anvil carriage toposition the anvil before the anvil-moving stroke. The first adjustablemember engages the anvil carriage to end the anvil-moving stroke.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, amotor is coupled to the blade carriage and the anvil carriage for movingthe blade during the blade-moving stroke and the anvil during theanvil-moving stroke.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the motorincludes a cylinder and a rod extensible from the cylinder in responseto fluid flow. The cylinder is coupled to one of the anvil carriage andthe blade carriage. The rod is coupled to the other of the anvilcarriage and the blade carriage.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includesa tape divider for dividing the tape, and a sensor for countingindividual weights. The tape divider divides the tape when the sensorhas counted a number of individual weights necessary to reduce theimbalance.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the sensor isa photosensor.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,the sensor is positioned immediately upstream from a dividing zone inwhich the tape divider operates to divide the tape.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, theapparatus includes a guide for directing the imbalance correction weighttoward the tape divider. The guide includes a wall and a bias mechanismfor sequentially biasing one or more individual weights against thewall. The sensor is positioned to count a weight when the weight isbiased against the wall by the bias mechanism.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the wallincludes an opening. The sensor senses the weight through the opening.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, theguide includes a channel through which the imbalance correction weightspass on their way to the tape divider, and the sensor is positionedacross the channel from the bias mechanism.

According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes atape divider for dividing the tape and a guide for directing theimbalance correction weight toward the tape divider. The guide includesa wall and a bias mechanism between which the imbalance correctionweight is directed. The bias mechanism yieldably biases a portion of theimbalance correction weight against the wall.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the biasmechanism includes a body and a first bias element for yieldably biasinga portion of the body toward the wall to bias a portion of the imbalancecorrection weight against the wall.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, theapparatus including a frame. The body is mounted on the frame forpivotal movement in response to variations in the size of the individualweights and the compressibility of the tape.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,the bias mechanism includes a second bias element for yieldably biasingthe portion of the body away from the wall to maintain a space betweenthe body and the wall when no imbalance correction weight is between thebody and the wall.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the first biaselement exerts a force on the body of a first distance from a pivot axisof the body and the second bias element exerts a force on the body at asecond distance from the pivot axis, the first distance being greaterthan the second distance.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, eachof the first and second bias elements includes a plunger and a springyieldably biasing the plunger against the body.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the individual weightsare provided on a first side of a length of tape, and a removablebacking is provided on a second side of the tape. The apparatus includesa tape divider for dividing the tape and a driver for removing thebacking from the second side to move the imbalance correction weighttoward the tape divider.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the driverincludes a wheel and a movable belt for pulling on a portion of thebacking removed from the second side.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, themovable belt is trained about at least two pulleys.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,the portion of the backing removed from the second side passes betweenthe wheel and the movable belt.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, theapparatus includes a motor coupled to a first one of the pulleys todrive the belt.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the driverincludes a clutch-and-brake mechanism coupled to the motor and the firstone of the pulleys.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,the apparatus includes a device for yieldably urging the wheel againstthe movable belt with the portion of the backing between the belt andthe wheel.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the deviceincludes a pivotal arm rotatably supporting the wheel and a springcoupled to the arm to bias the wheel toward the belt.

According to several other aspects of the invention, methods areprovided for dispensing imbalance correction weight for attachment to arotary element to reduce an imbalance in the rotary element. Theimbalance correction weight includes one or more individual weightsprovided on a length of tape.

According to one of these aspects of the invention, each individualweight has an outer surface covered by a coating. The method includesdividing the tape while maintaining the coating on the individualweights to provide the imbalance correction weight.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, dividing thetape to provide the amount of imbalance correction weight includesmoving a blade and an anvil relative to the tape so that the blade andanvil cooperate to divide the tape.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, themethod includes providing a gap between the pair of adjacent individualweights. Moving a blade and an anvil relative to the tape so that theblade and anvil cooperate to divide the tape includes moving the anvilbetween a pair of adjacent individual weights into contact with a firstside of the tape. Moving the anvil between a pair of adjacent individualweights into contact with a first side of the tape includes moving theanvil into the gap.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,moving a blade and an anvil relative to the tape so that the blade andanvil cooperate to divide the tape includes moving the blade intocontact with a second side of the tape after moving the anvil betweenthe pair of adjacent individual weights into contact with the first sideof the tape.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, providing agap includes changing a direction of motion of the tape to open up thegap between adjacent individual weights.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, movinga blade and an anvil relative to the tape so that the blade and anvilcooperate to divide the tape includes yieldably biasing the bladeagainst movement toward the tape.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,moving the anvil into the gap and the blade toward the anvil to dividethe tape includes moving the anvil and the blade along paths that formoblique angles with a direction of motion of the imbalance correctionweight prior to the change in the direction of motion of the imbalancecorrection weight.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, moving theanvil into the gap and the blade toward the anvil to divide the tapeincludes moving the anvil into contact with at least one of the adjacentindividual weights to widen the gap.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the method includescounting a desired number of individual weights, and dividing the tapewhen the desired number of individual weights has been counted toprovide the amount of imbalance correction weight.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the methodincludes biasing the desired number of individual weights toward asensor that counts the desired number of individual weights.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,counting the desired number of individual weights includes counting thedesired number of weights using a photosensor.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,counting the desired number of individual weights includes counting theindividual weight next adjacent the desired number of individualweights.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method includes movingthe imbalance correction weight through a guide including a wall,yieldably biasing a portion of the imbalance correction weight againstthe wall, and dividing the tape to provide the amount of imbalancecorrection weight.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, yieldablybiasing a portion of the imbalance correction weight against the wallincludes sequentially biasing one or more individual weights against thewall adjacent an outlet of the guide.

According to another aspect of the invention, the individual weights areprovided on a first side of a length of tape. A removable backing isprovided on a second side of the tape. The method includes removing thebacking from a portion of the second side, moving the imbalancecorrection weight toward a tape divider in response to removing thebacking from the portion of the second side, and dividing the tape atthe tape divider to provide the amount of imbalance correction weight.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, removing thebacking from a portion of the second side includes moving a portion ofthe backing already removed from the second side and the tape from whichthe backing has been removed in different directions.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,removing the backing from a portion of the second side includes pullingon a portion of the backing previously removed from the second side.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, pulling on aportion of the backing previously removed from the second side includespassing the portion of the backing previously removed from the secondside between a movable belt and a wheel.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, themethod includes directing the backing removed from the second side frombetween the belt and the wheel into a collection container.

According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is providedfor attaching an imbalance correction weight to a rotary element toreduce an imbalance in the rotary element. The imbalance correctionweight includes one or more individual weights provided on a first sideof a length of tape. The tape includes a second side for attachment tothe rotary element. The apparatus includes a body including a firstsurface for pressing the second side against the rotary element, and aclamp including a pair of jaws providing a channel. The jaws are movablerelative to the body between extended orientations in which the channelis beyond the first surface and retracted orientations in which thechannel is not beyond the first surface.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, each jawincludes a convex second surface for contacting the rotary element tomove the imbalance correction weight out of the channel.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, thefirst surface includes a convex surface.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,the channel includes a groove defined in each jaw.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, each groove isbounded on one side by a flange. The flanges facing each other. Theflanges cooperate to hold the weight yieldably when the jaws are in theretracted orientation.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, theclamp includes a bias mechanism for yieldably biasing the jaws towardeach other.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,one of the body and the jaws includes at least one slot. The other ofthe body and the jaws includes at least one aperture. At least oneconnector extends through the aligned slot or slots and aperture orapertures. At least one spring is oriented on the connector orconnectors and between the body and the jaws.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, theapparatus includes a bias mechanism for yieldably biasing the jawstoward their extended orientations.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, the bodyincludes at least one bore. The bias mechanism includes a plunger and aspring yieldably urging the plunger from the at least one bore and theplunger is coupled to the clamp.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided forattaching an imbalance correction weight to a rotary element to reducean imbalance in the rotary element. The imbalance correction weightincluding one or more individual weights provided on a first side of alength of tape. The tape includes a second side for attachment to therotary element. The method includes holding the imbalance correctionweight by a clamp, pressing the clamp against the rotary element, andreleasing the imbalance correction weight from the clamp in contact withthe rotary element.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, holding theimbalance correction weight by a clamp includes providing a channel inthe clamp and positioning at least a portion of the imbalance correctionweight in the channel.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,pressing the clamp against the rotary element and releasing theimbalance correction weight from the clamp together include moving theat least a portion of the imbalance correction weight outside thechannel.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,pressing the clamp against the rotary element and releasing theimbalance correction weight from the clamp together include retracting apair of jaws of the clamp with respect to a body provided for pressingthe imbalance correction weight against the rotary element.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, retracting apair of jaws of the clamp with respect to a body provided for pressingthe imbalance correction weight against the rotary element includesmoving the jaws away from one another.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,releasing the imbalance correction weight from the clamp includes movingthe imbalance correction weight out of grooves formed in the jaws. Thegrooves face each other. The imbalance correction weight moves to aposition outside the grooves in which the jaws cooperate to hold theimbalance correction weight.

Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,pressing the clamp against the rotary element and releasing theimbalance correction weight from the clamp together include rolling theclamp against the rotary element.

Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention, rolling theclamp against the rotary element includes rolling a convex surface ofthe clamp against a concave surface of the rotary element which has aradius of curvature greater than a radius of curvature of the convexsurface of the clamp.

Further illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,holding the imbalance correction weight by a clamp includes holding theimbalance correction weight by a pair of jaws of the clamp. Each jawincludes a convex surface. Rolling a convex surface of the clamp againsta concave surface of the rotary element which has a radius of curvaturegreater than a radius of curvature of the convex surface of the clampincludes rolling the convex surfaces of the jaws against the concavesurface of the rotary element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by referring to the followingdetailed description and accompanying drawings which illustrate theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a weight dispenser, applicator,control system and method for dispensing and applying a desired amountof imbalance correcting weight to a rotary element, the imbalance ofwhich has been determined;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the weight dispenser systemillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of theweight dispenser system illustrated in FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an amountof imbalance correcting weight in the form of individual weights on anadhesive backing;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fragmentary top plan view of components of theweight dispenser system illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded fragmentary view of components of theweight dispenser system illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partly fragmentary top plan view of components ofthe apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 in a first orientation;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partly fragmentary top plan view of components ofthe apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 in a second orientation;

FIG. 9 illustrates a fragmentary elevation view of components of theapparatus illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5-8 in a first orientation;

FIG. 10 illustrates a fragmentary elevation view of components of theapparatus illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5-9 in a second orientation;

FIG. 11 illustrates an elevation view of a detail of the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5-10;

FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of certaindetails of the components illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 in afirst orientation;

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary view taken along sectionlines 13—13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of certaindetails of the components illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12 and 13in a second orientation; and,

FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary view taken along sectionlines 15—15 of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

Referring generally to the drawings, a weight dispenser system 10 (FIG.2) dispenses a selected amount of imbalance correcting weight 12 (FIG.4). The selected amount is sufficient to cure substantially an imbalancein a rotary element 14, such as a vehicle wheel-and-tire assembly (FIGS.12, 14 and 15). Weight 12 includes individual imbalance correctingweights 16 provided on a first adhesive side 18 of a length ofdouble-sided adhesive tape 20. A removable protective backing 22, suchas a thin film, is provided on a second adhesive side 23 of tape 20 toprotect side 23 from contamination before weight 12 is dispensed.Weights 16 are oriented on first side 18 of tape 20 in side-by-side,intimate contact with adjacent weights 16 and are of substantiallyuniform configuration and weight. Each weight 16 is generally rightrectangular prism-shaped and has a protective coating covering itsentire outer surface to avoid exposure of workers to the material, forexample, lead, from which the weights 16 are made. Tape 20 is elastic toaccommodate a variety of radii of curvature of rotary elements.

As illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1, system 10 automaticallydispenses the desired amount of weight 12 based on a desired weightinput 24 from an imbalance measuring machine or an operator. Input 24 isthe number of individual weights 16 to be dispensed by system 10. Acontroller 25 uses input 24 to control operation of system 10. A feeder26 of system 10 pulls on backing 22 to remove it from side 23. Theremoval of backing 22 causes weight 12 to advance past a weight sensor28 of system 10 and a tape divider 30 of system 10. Weight sensor 28counts the individual weights 16 moving past it and sends a countersignal 35 indicative thereof to controller 25. Controller 25 uses thiscounter signal 35 to determine when to instruct feeder 26 by a feedersignal 36 to stop movement of weight 12 and to instruct divider 30 by adivider signal 38 to cut tape 20. Divider 30 cuts or otherwise dividestape 20 in a manner that maintains the protective coating on theindividual weights 16 sufficiently intact to avoid exposure of thematerial of the individual weights 16. As weight 12 advances throughsystem 12, the desired amount of weight 12 automatically enters a weightapplicator 34 for application to the imbalanced rotary element 14.Illustratively, controller 25 is a programmable logic controller and ishoused in a box 39 illustrated in part in FIG. 3. An on/off switch 31 iscoupled to controller 25 to switch system 10 on and off.

A frame 40 (FIGS. 2-3) of system 10 supports feeder 26, sensor 28, tapedivider 30, applicator 34, box 39, and a collection container 42 forbacking 22. A reel 44 containing a supply 45 of weight 12 with backing22 is mounted for rotation on one or more rollers 46 of frame 40 asweight 12 and backing 22 are pulled off reel 44.

Feeder 26 includes a guide 48 and a backing remover or driver 50, asillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. As weight 12 and backing 22 are dispensedfrom reel 44, guide 48 orients weight 12 and backing 22 so that thelongitudinal axes of the individual weights 16 are in a verticalorientation. Guide 48 directs weight 12 and backing 22 toward tapedivider 30 as driver 49 pulls backing 22 from weight 12 and advancesweight 12 past sensor 28, divider 30, and into applicator 34. Guide 48also positions a portion of weight 12 in a desired orientation justbefore that portion is presented to divider 30 so that divider 30 cancut tape 20 efficiently.

Guide 48 includes first 50 and second 52 sides between which weight 12and backing 22 are fed, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. Guide 48further includes a bottom wall 54 between first 50 and second 52 sides.Sides 50, 52 and bottom wall 54 cooperate to provide a channel 56through which weight 12 and backing 22 pass. Each of sides 50, 52includes a curved side wall 58 that cooperates with an entry ramp 60 ofbottom wall 54 to provide an inlet 62 for introducing weight 12 andbacking 22 into channel 56. After passing through inlet 62, weight 12and backing 22 become sandwiched between a first side wall 64 of firstside 50 and a second side wall 66 of second side 52 as they slide onbottom wall 54. First 68 and second 70 side wall supports support first64 and second 66 side walls in properly spaced, generally verticalorientations.

First side wall 64 includes a slot (not shown) for a stopper 72 whichprevents weight 12 and backing 22 from falling out of channel 56 backtoward reel 44 when tape 20 is cut, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Stopper 72is pivotally coupled to a mount 74 by a pivot pin 76 and isspring-biased into engagement with weights 16 by a spring 78. Stopper 72includes a leading edge 80 that slides over weights 16 and into thesmall gaps between adjacent weights 16. When tape 20 is cut, weight 12and backing 22 may retract slightly toward reel 44, but, because spring78 biases leading edge 80 against weights 16, weight 12 and backing 22are stopped from further retraction when edge 80 enters one of the smallgaps between adjacent weights 16.

The sizes of individual weights 16 and the compressibility of tape 20and backing 22 may vary slightly along the length of weight 12. Thisvariance could create some undesirable slack in tape 20 when it reachesa dividing zone 84 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) where divider 30 cuts tape 20.Divider 30 may cut tape 20 less efficiently if it encounters such slackin tape 20. To minimize this slack in dividing zone 84, second side 52includes a bias mechanism 86 positioned immediately “downstream” fromsecond side wall 66 and across from a downstream end portion 88 of firstside wall 64, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. Bias mechanism 86 yieldablybiases the individual weights 16 that pass it, in sequence, against endportion 88 just before they exit channel 56 and enter dividing zone 84.The particular weight(s) 16 so biased at any given time is (are)sometimes referred to hereinafter as the “biased weight(s) 16 a.” Biasmechanism 86 presses against backing 22 to push biased weight(s) 16 aagainst end portion 88. Bias mechanism 86 thus accounts for variation inthe size of individual weights 16 and the compression of tape 20 to takeup slack in tape 20 allowing tape divider 30 to cut tape 20 efficientlyin dividing zone 84.

Bias mechanism 86 includes a body 90. Body 90 is pivotally coupled toframe 40 by a pivot pin 92 of mechanism 86. Pivot pin 92 provides apivot axis 93 about which body 90 pivots. A washer 94 of mechanism 86 ispositioned between a head of pin 92 and body 90. A first side 95 of body90 includes a narrow bias surface 97 that contacts backing 22 to pressthe biased weight(s) 16 a against end portion 88. First side 95 alsoincludes a broader surface 99 recessed from bias surface 97 to minimizedrag on backing 22 as backing 22 and weight 12 move past body 90.

Mechanism 86 further includes a forward bias element 96 and a reversebias element 98 which are coupled to a mount 100, as illustrated inFIGS. 5-7. Mount 100 is in turn coupled to frame 40 by couplers 110.Forward bias element 96 yieldably biases bias surface 97 in a firstdirection 112 (FIG. 7) toward end portion 88 whereas reverse biaselement 98 yieldably biases bias surface 97 in a second direction 114away from end portion 88. Forward bias element 96 is positioned a firsteffective distance 116 away from pivot axis 93. Reverse bias element 98is positioned a second effective distance 118 away from pivot axis 93.Distance 116 is greater than distance 118 so that element 96 causes body90 to pivot in direction 112 against a biasing force of element 98 tonarrow a gap 120 between body 90 and end portion 88 through which weight12 and backing 22 pass. However, without element 98, element 96 wouldcause body 90 to close gap 120 between body 90 and end portion 88. It isdesirable to avoid such gap closure to facilitate automatic introductionof weight 12 and backing 22 through channel 56 into dividing zone 84when setting up system 10.

Bias elements 96, 98 are similar to one another in construction, asillustrated in FIG. 7. Thus, the description of the construction ofelement 96 applies also to the construction of element 98. Element 96includes a threaded housing 122 that is threaded into a correspondingthreaded aperture of mount 100. A nut 126 of element 96 is coupled tohousing 122 to hold housing 122 in place. A spring 128 of element 96 ispositioned within the barrel of housing 122 to urge a plunger 130 ofelement 96 to the maximum projection from housing 122 permitted byengagement of a head of plunger 130 with a shoulder provided in thebarrel. A set screw 132 of element 96 is provided to capture spring 128within the barrel. A tip of plunger 130 is positioned outside the barrelto engage a second surface 134 of body 90. Plunger 130 moves withinbarrel as body 90 pivots in response to variations in the size ofweights 16 and the compression of tape 20 and backing 22.

Backing 22 is peeled away from tape 20 and pulled around a corner 136 ofbody 90, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Bias surface 97 and a side 138 ofbody 90 cooperate to provide corner 136. Corner 136 defines an angle of,for example, about 40°.

After being peeled away from tape 20, backing 22 encounters an inletguide 139, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. Inlet guide 139 maintainsbacking 22 in registry with driver 49. Inlet guide 139 includes a raisedplatform 140 mounted on frame 40, a first side member 142, a second sidemember 144, and an upper member 146, all of which cooperate to providean inlet opening 148 through which backing 22 passes. Members 142, 144,146 are mounted to a cover 150 which covers components of driver 49.

Driver 49 pulls backing 22 from tape 20 through inlet opening 148, asillustrated in FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, driver 49 includesa belt 152, a pulley system 154 around which belt 152 is trained, amotor 156 to rotate a drive pulley 158 of pulley system 154, and aclutch-and-brake mechanism 160 coupled to motor 156 and drive pulley 158to control movement of backing 22 and thus weight 12 in response tofeeder signal 36, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Pulley system 154 furtherincludes first 162, second 164, and third 166 idler pulleys. Pulleys158, 162, 164, 166 are rotatably mounted from frame 40. Belt 152 istrained about drive pulley 158 and idler pulleys 162, 164 to advancebacking 22 as backing 22 passes between the intermeshing teeth of belt152 and third idler pulley 166. The teeth of belt 152 and third idlerpulley 166 help grip backing 22 which may be somewhat slick-surfaced.After passing driver 49, backing 22 is directed through an outlet guide168 and into collection container 42.

To facilitate loading of backing 22 between belt 152 and third idlerpulley 166, third idler pulley 166 is mounted on a retractable loader170, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. Loader 170 includes arm 172pivotally coupled to frame 40 at one end and a handle 174 coupled to theother end of arm 172. A spring 176 has one end coupled to frame 40 andanother end coupled to arm 172 to bias third idler pulley 166 normallyto an engaged position (see FIG. 5) in which third idler pulley 166engages belt 152. A machine operator can retract third idler pulley 166away from belt 152 to a disengaged position (see FIG. 3) to facilitatethreading of backing 22 between belt 152 and third idler pulley 166.

Sensor 28 includes a sensor for counting individual weights 16 that passit, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. It does so, for example, bydirecting a beam of light in the direction of a space through which eachweight 16 passes, detecting each weight 16 as it passes through thatspace, and sending counter signals 35 indicative of each detected weight16 to controller 25. The light beam originates from a light source (notshown) contained within box 39 and passes through a lens 178 (FIGS. 7and 8) of a head 180 which is coupled by a mount 182 to frame 40. Head180 extends through a slot 184 in an anvil 186 of divider 30 and into aslot 188 of end portion 88 so that lens 178 is positioned close to thebiased weight 16 a which will be dispensed next.

After passing lens 178 and bias surface 97, weight 12 exits from channel56 and advances through dividing zone 84 into a channel 190 ofapplicator 34 as backing 22 is pulled from tape 20, as illustrated inFIGS. 5, 7, and 8. Upon exiting channel 56, weight 12 is pulled aroundcorner 136 so that it diverts from its straight path in channel 56. Adividing gap 192 is thus provided in dividing zone 84 between thecurrent biased weight 16 a, which is positioned within channel 56, andthe next adjacent downstream weight 16 b, which is positioned at leastpartially within channel 190. Dividing gap 192 exposes a portion of tape20 to anvil 186 to facilitate dividing of tape 20, which is explained inmore detail below.

Once sensor 28 has counted the desired number of weights 16, controller25 stops weight 12. Controller 25 stops movement of weight 12 by sendingfeeder signal 36 to driver 49 which opens the clutch of mechanism 160and causes mechanism 160 to brake movement of pulley system 154, backing22 and thus weight 12. This stoppage of weight 12 “freezes” the currentdividing gap 192 provided between the current biased weight 16 a and thecurrent next adjacent downstream weight 16 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5-11, after stopping movement of weight 12,controller sends divider signal 38 to divider 30 to cause divider 30 tocut tape 20. Upon receiving divider signal 38, an actuator 193 (FIGS.9-10) drives anvil 186 and a blade 196 of divider 30 to cut tape 20.Anvil 186 moves first during an anvil-moving stroke and blade 196 movessecond during a blade-moving stroke. During the anvil-moving stroke,anvil 186 advances in a direction 194 into dividing gap 192. As anvil186 advances into dividing gap 192, it enters and widens gap 192,reducing the likelihood that blade 196 will impact either weight 16 a or16 b. This increases the likelihood that the protective coatings onweights 16 a, 16 b will remain intact and avoid exposure to the materialof weights 16 a, 16 b. As anvil 186 contacts weight 16 b, it pushesweight 16 b into channel 190 of applicator 34. Anvil 186 also contactsthe first side 18 of tape 20 when it enters gap 192. Anvil 186 thusmoves from a tape-disengaging position (see FIGS. 7 and 9) to atape-engaging position (see FIGS. 5, 8, and 10) during the anvil-movingstroke.

Once anvil 186 contacts tape 20, the blade-moving stroke begins. Duringthe blade-moving stroke, blade 196 approaches tape 20 from second side20 in a direction 198 and slices through tape 20 and into contact withanvil 186. Blade 196 thus moves from a non-dividing position away fromanvil 186 and tape 20 (see FIGS. 3, 7, and 9) to a dividing position(see FIGS. 5, 8, and 10) engaging anvil 186 and tape 20 during theblade-moving stroke. Anvil 186 is made of a somewhat malleable material,such as brass or aluminum, so that blade 196 cuts all the way throughtape 20 even if a blade-engaging surface 200 of anvil 186 has someirregularities. A protective blade guard 202 (FIG. 3) mounted to frame40 partially covers blade 196 as blade 196 moves during the blade-movingstroke.

Divider 30 and guide 48 are arranged at an oblique angle to one another,as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. Anvil 186 and blade 196 move alonga straight path which is disposed at the oblique angle with a straightpath of channel 56 of guide 48. Divider 30 and guide 48 are arranged inthis manner so that gap 192 opens up between weights 16 a, 16 b for theentry of anvil 186 during the anvil-moving stroke.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, actuator 193 includes an anvil carriage 210 forcarrying anvil 186, a blade carriage 212 for carrying blade 196, a fluidmotor 214 coupled to both carriages 210, 212, and a valve 216electrically coupled to controller 25 to receive divider signal 38 andin fluid communication with fluid motor 214 to activate fluid motor 214.Carriages 210, 212 are mounted on supports 218 of frame 40 for slidingmovement relative to one another. Each carriage 210, 212 includes a pairof elongated slots 220 for receiving respective supports 218. Fluidmotor 214 includes a fluid cylinder 222 and a rod 224 which extends fromand retracts into cylinder 222. Fluid cylinder 222 is mounted to anvilcarriage 210, and rod 224 is mounted to blade carriage 212. Anvilcarriage 210 includes an anvil tongue 226, a cylinder tongue 228, and astop tongue 230. Anvil 186 is mounted to anvil tongue 226. Cylinder 222is mounted to cylinder tongue 228. Blade carriage 212 includes a bladetongue 234 and a rod tongue 236. Blade 196 is coupled to blade tongue234. Rod 224 is coupled to rod tongue 236.

Divider 30 further includes a sequencer 237 for sequencing the movementof anvil 186 and blade 196 relative to frame 40 so that anvil 186 movesfirst during the anvil-moving stroke and blade 196 moves second duringthe blade-moving stroke. Sequencer 237 includes an adjustable stop 238and a spring 240, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, 9, and 10. Spring 240 iscoupled to frame 40 at one end and to blade carriage 212 at its otherend to bias blade 196 to its non-dividing position away from anvil 186.Stop 238 includes a body 242 mounted to frame 40 and has a pair ofspaced-apart ears 244 that define a space 246 therebetween. Stop tongue230 extends upwardly into space 246. Stopper 238 further includes a pairof threaded adjustable members 248 a and 248 b, one for each ear 244.Member 248 a engages stop tongue 230 to position anvil 186 before theanvil-moving stroke. Member 248 bengages stop tongue 230 to end theanvil-moving stroke. Adjustment of either member 248 a, 248 b adjuststhe excursion 250 of anvil 186.

During the anvil-moving stroke, cylinder 222 moves anvil carriage 210and anvil 186 the distance 250 in direction 194 while blade carriage 212and blade 196 remain stationary due to a biasing force applied to bladecarriage 212 by spring 240, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Members 248 a, 248b are adjusted so that anvil 186 contacts first side 18 of tape 20during the anvil-moving stroke.

After stop tongue 230 engages member 248 b, fluid motor 214 overcomesthe biasing force applied to blade carriage 212 by spring 240 and rod224 moves blade carriage 212 and blade 196 in direction 196 so thatblade 196 cuts through tape 20, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Anvilcarriage 210 and anvil 186 remain stationary during the blade-movingstroke due to engagement between member 248 b and stop tongue 230.

The thus-cut amount 33 of weight 12 is loaded into curved channel 190 ofapplicator 34, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 12-15.A handle or body 252 is mounted on a pair of pegs 254 of frame 40 whenchannel 190 is being loaded (see FIGS. 3 and 5). A clamp 256 ofapplicator 34 provides channel 190. Clamp 256 is movable relative tobody 252 between an extended, loading position (see FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 12,and 13) and a retracted, unloading position (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Inthe extended, loading position, second side 23 is positioned withinchannel 190 to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent contact between tape20 and anything. In the retracted, unloading position, second side 23 ispositioned outside of channel 190 to provide for contact with a concavesurface 257 of rotary element 14. A pair of first bias mechanisms 258 ofclamp 256 and a pair of second bias mechanisms 260 cooperate toyieldably bias clamp 256 toward the extended, loading position.

Clamp 256 includes two jaws 264 and the two first bias mechanisms 258for biasing jaws 264 toward one another to the extended, loadingposition, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. Jaws 264 provide channel 190.Each jaw 264 includes a groove 268. Grooves 268 hold the amount 33 ofweight 12 when clamp 256 is positioned in the extended, loadingposition, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Each jaw 264 also includesan outer flange 270 for holding the amount 33 of weight 12 when clamp256 is positioned in the retracted, unloading position, as illustratedin FIGS. 14 and 15. Each mechanism 258 includes a connector 272extending through an aperture 274 in each jaw 264 and a pair of wavesprings 276. Each wave spring 276 is captured between a head or nut 278of the respective connector 272 and the respective jaw 264. Wave springs276 cooperate to hold jaws 264 yieldably against the sides of body 252.

Body 252 includes a pair of slots 280 for connectors 272 and a pair ofelongated bores 282 for second bias mechanisms 260, as illustrated inFIGS. 12-15. Each connector 272 extends through and is movable withinone of slots 280 as clamp 256 moves between the extended, loading andretracted, unloading positions. Each second bias mechanism 260 ispositioned within the respective bore 282 and includes a set screw 284threaded to body 252, a plunger 286 coupled to the respective connector272, and a coil spring 288 captured between the respective set screw 284and plunger 286 to yieldably bias clamp 256 axially away from body 252to the extended, loading position. Body 252 further includes a convexsurface 290 for pressing the amount 33 of weight 12 onto concave surface257 of rotary element 14.

Once the amount 33 of weight 12 is loaded into grooves 268 of channel190, an operator can readily attach it to concave surface 257 of rotaryelement 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. The operator removesapplicator 34 from pegs 254 and, while gripping body 252, presses convexsurfaces 292 of jaws 264 against concave surface 257, as illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13. Pressing surfaces 292 against surface 257 in thismanner causes convex surface 290 of body 252 to press against weights 16and jaws 264 to retract from the extended, loading position to theretracted, unloading position, exposing side 23 of tape 20 out ofchannel 190. The amount 33 of weight 12 thus moves out of grooves 268and is held by outer flanges 270 in preparation for attachment toconcave surface 257. The operator then rolls convex surfaces 292 of jaws264 onto concave surface 257 in a direction 266, causing second side 23to contact and attach to concave surface 257. The radii of curvature ofconvex surfaces 290, 292 are substantially the same but less than theradius of curvature of concave surface 257, allowing the operator toroll the amount 33 of weight 12 onto rotary element 14.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for dispensing imbalance correctionweight for attachment to a rotary element to reduce an imbalance in therotary element, the imbalance correction weight including one or moreindividual weights provided on a length of tape, the apparatus includinga blade and an anvil which cooperate to cut the tape, and a sequencerfor sequencing relative movement of the blade and the anvil in ablade-moving stroke and an anvil-moving stroke, respectively.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the sequencer includes a spring for biasingthe blade away from the anvil to sequence the anvil-moving stroke tooccur before the blade-moving stroke.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1further including a blade carriage carrying the blade and an anvilcarriage carrying the anvil, the blade carriage and the anvil carriagebeing mounted on a frame for relative movement.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein the sequencer includes a stop for engaging the anvilcarriage to end the anvil-moving stroke.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4wherein the stop includes a first adjustable member for adjusting theexcursion of the anvil during the anvil-moving stroke.
 6. The apparatusof claim 5 wherein the stop includes a second adjustable member engagingthe anvil carriage to position the anvil before the anvil-moving stroke,the first adjustable member engaging the anvil carriage to end theanvil-moving stroke.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the sequencerincludes a spring coupled to the blade carriage to bias the blade awayfrom the anvil.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the sequencerincludes a spring coupled to the blade carriage to bias the blade awayfrom the anvil.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3 including a motor coupled tothe blade carriage and the anvil carriage for moving the blade duringthe blade-moving stroke and the anvil during the anvil-moving stroke.10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the motor includes a cylinder and arod extensible from the cylinder in response to fluid flow, the cylinderbeing coupled to one of the anvil carriage and the blade carriage, andthe rod being coupled to the other of the anvil carriage and the bladecarriage.